Viva Carnaval!

Reading: Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift

February means "summer" vacations (for the coast), hot weather, rainy season and CARNAVAL!

Foam wars, an integral part of Carnaval

This is perhaps the most fun and ridiculous holiday that I have ever experienced - really, it's a shame we don't celebrate it state side save New Orleans. Basically, it's a three day long free for all involving spray foam, water balloons, buckets, flour and eggs (nice clothes and cell phones not recommended.) Although, I have been told that it's really only celebrated at full force in select towns, otherwise Carnaval is nothing more than some rowdy kids throwing water balloons at passing motos.

Mail, Ecuastyle

Reading: As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner

So I have this really nice subscription the Economist, right? Now, I have nothing but great things to say about the publication, as they manage to get me the weekly issue in a somewhat timely fashion within at least two weeks of the publication date. Not to mention, they are excellent at reporting international news. They even extended my subscription by an issue for sending me a misprinted one... definitely quality customer service on the part of the Economist.

However, today when I stopped by the post office for the first time in a few weeks, I was surprised to see that I had three issues waiting for me... after opening them, I was shocked to see that one was dated Oct. 15th 2011. Now, given my alliance to the Economist and my not as pleasant experiences with Ecuadorian services, I think the blames on Ecuador this time. Viva la Patria!

Side note: what's the silver lining to Whitney Houston dying? Ecuadorian have improved expediently at pronouncing my name.

In the honor of...

Reading: The Mountains of California by John Muir

The things that have gotten me through my first year in Ecuador: friends, family and books.

First, I want to say that I have really wonderful friends. One of the things that I learned very quickly when I came here is the cultural differences that surround friendships. In Ecuador, your family is often your source of friendships. In the States, your friends become your family.

Okay, that was sappy, I know. But seriously, I have really wonderful friends (and family). You all have sent me enough packages to the point that I haven't been without Trident Original gum since I got here last year. Plus, you've all put up with my sporadic communication and my occasional bitching, which has been more frequent of the late.

So, in one very tacky blog posting, I want to say muchisma gracias a todos.